Biomedicum Common Virus Laboratory BSL-2 (room D0411)

The Biomedicum Common Virus Laboratory BSL-2 aims to provide a suitable, safe, and up-to-date virus work laboratory open for researchers at KI to perform studies related with virus production, infection/transduction and functional analysis.

Our offer

The Biomedicum Common Virus Laboratory BSL-2 facility provides a conducive, secure, and state-of-the-art laboratory environment for virus-related research. This facility is open to all researchers affiliated with the Karolinska Institutet (KI), offering them a platform to carry out a wide range of studies. These studies can encompass various aspects of virology, including but not limited to, the production of viruses, infection or transduction studies, and functional analysis of viruses. The overarching goal of the facility is to facilitate cutting-edge research in the field of virology, thereby contributing to advancements in medical science.

The laboratory is equipped with class 2 biosafety cabinets, along with fluorescence microscopes, and CO2 incubators specifically designed for nurturing cell cultures. Additionally, the room houses two refrigeration/freezer units, which are utilized for the preservation of temperature-sensitive materials and consumables.

To facilitate virus production and concentration, two high performance refrigerated bench centrifuges were recently allocated to this room. Avanti J-15R centrifuge, installed with swinging-bucket rotor, allows spinning biological samples from 15 ml tubes to 500 ml bottles as well as multi-well plates while a Legend micro 17R gives the flexibility for centrifuging small volume samples. 

Prices for usage

To use the laboratory, you must be a trained user and then you can book one of the biosafety cabinets (BSC-2) via the iLab booking system.

  • Trained users can book 24/7
  • Assisted users can book 09:00 - 16:00, Monday through Friday
  • Minimal booking time is 15 minutes
  • Booking can be cancelled or modified 1h before scheduled time
  • Self-use: 400 SEK/h
  • Assisted use: 450 SEK/h

The core provides

  • Lab coats
  • Hairnet
  • Shoe covers
  • Medical face masks
  • Gloves Shield skin orange nitrile 300
  • Gloves Eco Shield Nitril 250
  • Serological pipettes (5, 10, 25 ml)
  • Tubes 15 mL
  • Tubes 50 mL
  • Autoclave bags
  • Virkon tablets
  • Disinfectant solution LIV Des 70 (70% EtOH)

User guidelines

The Biomedicum Common Virus Laboratory facility BSL-2 is open for authorized researchers at Karolinska Institutet to perform studies related with virus production, infection/transduction and functional analysis.

Access

To get access to the room, notification/permission approved by the Swedish Work Environment Authority and introduction by authorized personnel are required.

Notification/permit

Each new project needs notification for the use of specific microorganisms. Fill out the L-anmälan-permits and notifications for Genetic Modified Microorganisms Work and send it to biosafety delegate at your department.

  1. Fill out form LA-anmälan av ny GMM-användning for each organism you plan on using. You can check KI biosafety website for an example, download Lathund anmälan av ny L-a GMM-användning (PDF). All forms are in Swedish but can and should be filled out in English, so that all users can understand it. Try to fill in the forms as concisely and completely as you can but if you have doubts, please contact KI biosafety (biosakerhet@ki.se) or VirusTech Core Facility (virusfacility@ki.se).
  2. Send the completed form to virusfacility@ki.se, who will send it to KI Biosafety Committee and the biosafety representative at MBB Akos Vegvari.
  3. We will review the document and come back to you if there are any changes needed.
  4. Once the form is approved by us, we will forward it to Swedish work environment authority.
  5. After it's approved by the Swedish work environment authority, you will receive the approval certificate. 

Introduction to rules and biosafety

After receiving work permission, an introduction/training can be scheduled for new users upon request. During the introduction, the user will be provided with information on rules and guidelines. Key cards to the room (D0411a) can be activated once the introduction has been completed and you are granted access to the Common Virus Facility iLab booking system.

Remember to always book the hoods before entering the room.

Biomedicum Common Virus Laboratory BSL-2 working guidelines

Online booking system

The Biomedicum Common Virus Laboratory BSL-2 is connected to the iLab online booking system, which is used for all bookings and introduction/training sessions.

The first step is to apply for an account in iLab.

Contact and visit us

The Biomedicum Common Virus Laboratory BSL-2 is located in Biomedicum, House D on floor 4, room D0411.

Facility Email: virusfacility@ki.se

Visiting address: Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, floor 4, House D, 171 65 Solna

Postal address: Karolinska Institutet, The Biomedicum Common Virus Facility BSL-2, SE-117 11 Stockholm

Telephone: +46 (0)8 524 873 87

Image gallery from room D0411

Instruments and equipment included in the core facility.
Image gallery
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Equipment of the Biomedicum Common Virus Laboratory facility BSL-2.